Jack Del Rio's last game as Jacksonville Jaguars coach was a 20-13 loss against the Houston Texans. Photograph: Daron Dean/Reuters

The Jacksonville Jaguars have fired coach Jack Del Rio after a 3-8 start, parting ways with him during his ninth season.

Del Rio is the first NFL coach sacked this season. His job security had been tenuous since owner Wayne Weaver said the coach needed to make the playoffs to secure a 10th season in Jacksonville. The Jaguars were essentially eliminated with Sunday's 20-13 loss to Houston.

Del Rio, 48, was one of four NFL head coaches who had been with their current team more than eight seasons, joining New England's Bill Belichick, Philadelphia's Andy Reid and Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis.

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is expected to take over as interim coach.

There are also reports that the Jaguars are about to be sold to Illinois-based auto parts magnate Shahid Khan, although they say the team will remain in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars are struggling to sell tickets and host a Monday night game against San Diego.

Del Rio leaves with a 69-73 record, including 1-2 in two playoffs appearances. The Jaguars didn't win the AFC South in any of his nine seasons.

Weaver considered firing Del Rio after last season, but kept him partly because of the uncertainty surrounding the NFL lockout.

Del Rio spent 11 years in the NFL as a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins. He retired in 1996.